Pioneer studies and Maple Apple Cake recipe

A and I have been studying pioneers the past few weeks. She is working her way through Little House is the Big Woods, and I am reading aloud Pioneer Sampler. She also read all the Caroline books from the Little House Chapter Book series. Of course we earned quite a bit about maple sugar, sugar snow, and the whole process of making maple syrup so that the family would have a sweetner all year long. We talked about how white sugar was hard to come by and expensive to boot, and then of course we needed to find a recipe that we could experiement with. Who woyuld have known that in that little project we would discover a new favorite family dessert. We have made this twice already in 2 weeks. It is amazing!

So without farther ado, I leave you with our recipe for Maple Apple Cake, and pictures of my beautiful A at work.

In a large bowl, cream softened butter with electric beater. Slowly add in the maple syrup and beat on low speed for 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on medium until batter is smooth and fluffy...about 5 minutes.

Grate apple if you haven't already and then stir into mixture. Add chopped pecans.

Grease 9 inch round cake pan.

Pour mixture into pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Let cool and remove from pan.

Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with died apple slices.

Hot or cold, this is a perfect treat.

Served warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect after dinner dessert, yet not to sweet to work cold as a quick morning breakfast.

Comments

I am a born and raised southern girl who has been blessed to have adventures all over the US. From living on a remote Alaskan island, the high desert of New Mexico, and small town Montana, I have finally found my way back to the South. I'm a Marriage and Family Therapist turned stay at home mom, who spends my days homeschooling a profoundly gifted 11 year old daughter, trying to keep up with a rambunctious and super bright 3 year old, and just overall enjoying this life. I write about our adventures, homeschooling, acceleration, and gifted advocacy.

Cast of Characters

A- 10 yrs old. Her strong personality was evident from the beginning. Incredibly smart, spirited and headstrong to say the least, but also kind, caring, empathetic, and funny as hell. Identified as Profoundly Gifted (PG), she's been reading since she was 2 and is working at least several years ahead in all subjects, which is why we decided to homeschool. We believe having her academic needs met is essential to her emotional health. She plays hard, laughs often, devours books like they were candy, enjoys running free outside, and loves life in general.

W- 3 years old and a bundle of energy. He is sweet and adorable, and looks to be following in his sister's footsteps. He loves all things "school" and surprises us everyday with what he knows.